Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in California
Senior Clinical Research Scientist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors that anchor the state's life sciences economy at every level from associate scientist through principal investigator. The largest hiring hubs are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where companies like Genentech, AbbVie, and Amgen maintain significant California operations. Oncology, immunology, and rare disease trials are the most in-demand specializations across these markets. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Iovance Biotherapeutics aims to be the global leader in innovating, developing and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for people with cancer. We are pioneering a transformational approach to treating cancer by harnessing the ability of the human immune system to recognize and attack diverse cancer cells in each patient. The Iovance TIL platform has demonstrated promising clinical data across multiple solid tumors. We are committed to continuous innovation in cell therapy, including gene-edited cell therapy, which may be a promising option for patients with cancer.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Clinical Scientist participates in support of the Clinical Development plans (CDPs) and supports the assigned Medical Director/Clinical Science Physician(s) with various deliverables necessary for effective and efficient CS plan execution for the assigned assets/indication(s).
The Senior Clinical Scientist has primary responsibilities for supporting Medical Directors/Clinical Science Physicians with clinical documentation, representing Clinical Science on various teams/sub-teams or other appropriate forums, and supporting training of study site and/or CRO personnel. The Senior Clinical Scientist is expected to perform their responsibilities with independence and are likely to have external interactions with cooperative groups, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and external vendors supporting the work of Clinical Science.
Specific Responsibilities
- Supports the design and writing of clinical protocols and associated clinical study documents (e.g., ICFs, charters, operational manuals, etc.)
- Serves as an expert on the clinical study design (including trial procedures and requirements) and develops training materials to ensure quality execution by the investigational sites.
- Supports cross-functional teams with study protocol and related questions and serves as point of contact for managing/answering questions relating to trial procedures.
- Provides medical monitoring support or oversight of activities conducted by a CRO, which includes monitoring, cleaning, analyzing, and reviewing efficacy and safety data to establish the presence or absence of trends and follow up as appropriate.
- Collaborates on, or leads where appropriate, the writing of clinical sections of key program documents including Investigational New Drug submissions, Investigator Brochures, Clinical Study Reports, and other global regulatory submissions and responses.
- Supports clinical development planning by participating in the evaluation of innovative trial designs and provisioning and analyzing data from ongoing and/or completed clinical trials to support future planning.
- Maintains awareness of internal and external developments (scientific, clinical, competitive, and regulatory) that could impact the development plan, including attendance at major scientific conferences, participation in competitive intelligence activities, and periodic literature review.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- MD, PhD, OD, or PharmD with oncology experience required.
- Cell Therapy experience preferred.
- 6+ years of experience in a clinical research-related role. 3-5 years' experience in a Clinical science/development role preferred.
- Proficient knowledge of GCP/ICH, drug development process, study design, statistics, understanding of functional and cross-functional relationships.
- Proficient knowledge and skills to support program specific data review, trend identification, data interpretation, data cleaning.
- Experience with Spotfire and/or other data capture tools preferred.
- Knowledge of melanoma or sarcoma therapies preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of the establishment and operation of data monitoring committees, dose review teams, and independent response adjudication committees.
- Previous experience working with CROs and other vendors/suppliers preferred.
- Previous experience with Phase I-III US and Global/Ex-US clinical trials preferred.
- Data listing review experience required.
- Strong analytical skills, especially with regard to understanding and interpreting scientific research and literature.
- Experience in the principles and techniques of data analysis, interpretation and clinical relevance (e.g., ISS, ISE, competitor data, etc.).
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
- Good business acumen; has working knowledge of the multidisciplinary functions involved in a company's drug development process, e.g. clinical operations, biostatistics, safety, regulatory, commercial operations, etc.
- Excellent project management skills: can prioritize multiple tasks and goals and ensure the timely, on-target and within-budget accomplishment.
- Good interpersonal, verbal communication and influencing skills; can influence without authority.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Good business presentation skills; is comfortable and effective when presenting to others, internally or externally.
- Good judgment and decision-making skills; knows how to make trade-off decisions while balancing ethics and efficacy.
- Ability to travel (~10%).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Must be able to move about inside an office and exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Must have visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.
- This position requires repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information.
MENTAL
Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional workplace or remote office environment and requires standard office equipment and keyboards. Employees who work remotely are expected to maintain their workspace and environment safely and free from safety hazards.
LI-hybrid
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please contact careers@iovance.com.
By voluntarily providing information and clicking "Submit Application", you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice.
See All 72 Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in California
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Find JobsSenior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Clinical Research Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Altos Labs7

- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals4

- Calico Life Sciences4

- Genentech4

- Revolution Medicines4

Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals47
- Science & Research14
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Medical Devices4
- Construction & Real Estate1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior clinical research scientist jobs across California.
- Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in a life science field required or strongly preferred
- Minimum five years of clinical trial management or pharmaceutical research experience
- Hands-on knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements
- Experience writing or reviewing clinical study protocols, reports, and regulatory submissions
- Proficiency with clinical data management systems and electronic data capture platforms
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills working with biostatistics, medical affairs, and regulatory teams
Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior clinical research scientist in California?
A master's degree or doctorate in a life science discipline is the standard foundation, with most California employers expecting several years of direct clinical trial or drug development experience before considering candidates for a senior designation. California does not issue a state license specific to clinical research scientists, but many hiring managers value the Certified Clinical Research Professional credential from the Society of Clinical Research Associates as a recognized marker of competence. Large Bay Area and San Diego biotech employers typically promote from within or recruit scientists with a demonstrated record in protocol development and regulatory submission work.
Which companies hire senior clinical research scientists in California?
Employers hiring senior clinical research scientists in California right now include Altos Labs, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, and Calico Life Sciences, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biotechnology headquarters and pharmaceutical regional offices means openings arise consistently across both large multinationals and well-funded clinical-stage companies headquartered in San Diego and South San Francisco.
Which California cities have the most senior clinical research scientist jobs?
South San Francisco, San Diego, and San Francisco are the California cities with the most senior clinical research scientist openings. San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area drive the bulk of demand because they host the country's two largest biotech and pharmaceutical clusters, while Los Angeles generates openings through academic medical centers, contract research organizations, and a growing number of oncology-focused companies expanding their clinical operations in the region.
Are there remote senior clinical research scientist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many lab-based science roles, because a meaningful share of senior clinical research scientist work involves protocol writing, data review, regulatory correspondence, and cross-functional coordination that can be done off-site. About 7% of senior clinical research scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The functions most commonly offered remotely are clinical operations oversight, medical writing, and vendor management, while roles requiring hands-on site monitoring or laboratory involvement remain predominantly on-site.
How can I get hired as a senior clinical research scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a clinical research coordinator or research associate role at a California academic medical center or contract research organization, which provides hands-on trial exposure without requiring prior industry experience. University of California health system sites and Children's Hospital Los Angeles run structured clinical research training programs and hire coordinators who then advance internally. Building familiarity with FDA-regulated trial processes, completing a Good Clinical Practice certification, and targeting associate scientist postings at San Diego or Bay Area biotechs with active Phase II and III pipelines are the steps that most consistently open the door to a senior role.
Where can I find and apply to senior clinical research scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior clinical research scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listings on this page.
See All 72 Senior Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in California
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